7 reasons why Nigeria lost to France

3. The referee’s crucial calls were against Nigeria

How differently would things have been for Nigeria had Onazi got up from Blaise Matuidi’s horrific second-half tackle instead of being stretchered off? What if Matuidi had received a red card for this challenge, instead of a mere yellow?

How differently would things have been for Nigeria had Emmanuel Emenike’s goal disallowed for a marginal, though legitimate, offside call stood?

Did Nigeria deserve two penalties when Ahmed Musa and Osaze Odemwingie were fouled in the box? What if the ref had pointed to the spot and a Victor Moses somersault was the next thing we saw?

How differently would things have turned out for Nigeria had Giroud been given the marching orders instead of a yellow card, for elbowing Mikel?

Keshi blamed the ref for being biased; it was one of the few calls he got right.